James M. Thomson

James M. Thomson, 83, of Brackenridge, passed away Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at Allegheny Valley Hospital, Natrona Heights. He was born July 8, 1938, in Harrison Township, to the late Thomas and Janet H. (McGee) Thomson. James lived the past 43 years in Brackenridge. James was a proud and privileged music teacher for Freeport School District and retired from Kiski Area as a fifth grade teacher in 2000. He was a Marine Corps veteran and a member of Central Presbyterian Church, Tarentum, and the Tarentum Eagles. James graduated in 1956 from Har Brack High School and graduated from Clarion State Teachers College in 1963. Jim was very proud of his Scottish heritage and enjoyed listening to the bagpipers. He enjoyed watching all Pittsburgh sports, singing, playing the piano and crossword puzzles. Jim especially loved spending time with his family, children and grandchildren. Times when we were all together were some of his happiest moments. He loved his Bonita and was always a little lost when she was not by his side. He had a deep faith and we take comfort in knowing he is with his Savior. He was a great guy, one of the best, and we are all better for having him as a husband, dad and Papa. Our world is a little dimmer without his shining light. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Bonita F. (Gourley) Thomson; and his children, Marlene (Bill) McGuire, of Freeport, Nancy (Robert) Negley, of Natrona Heights, Ron (Sarah) Bernat, of Endeavor, Wis., Crisie (Keith) Svitek, of Natrona Heights, and Scott Thomson, of Baltimore, Md. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Toni, Corey, Casey, Carley, Carson, Kirstyn, Savannah, Colton, Finnigan, Dorothy Kate and Jude; his great-grandchildren, Aiden, Liam, Jasper and Lincoln; and sister, Margaret Levy, of Chicago, Ill. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Mary Louise Johnson and Janet Kubichan; and brother, Bill Thomson. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the DUSTER FUNERAL HOME INC., 347 E. 10th Ave., Tarentum, 724-224-1526. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Central Presbyterian Church, Brackenridge, with the Rev. Robert D. Dayton and the Rev. Barbara A. Ravenstahl officiating. Burial will be private. Family suggests contributions to Central Presbyterian Church, Tarentum, Visit dusterfh.com.